Forbes Creek serves groups looking to claim their own corner of Sugar Pine Reservoir. Two large sites handle up to 50 people each, with direct trail access to the water and enough space to spread out without tripping over neighboring campers.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.13111, -120.78194
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-367-2224
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground sits on the southeast shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir at 3,600 feet, tucked under cedar and ponderosa pine that provide solid shade through the day. Two group sites — Madrone and Rocky Ridge — each handle up to 50 people and 18 vehicles, with central cooking areas, large campfire circles, and multiple picnic tables. Both accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, with accessible parking and unloading areas.
The 160-acre reservoir spreads out below the campground, close enough that you're looking at water through the trees from your site. Summer days run warm, nights cool down enough to make the campfire worthwhile.
What to Do
A trail system connects both group sites to Sugar Pine Reservoir and the nearby boat ramp, suitable for walking or non-motorized biking. The reservoir handles fishing, canoeing, swimming, and boating — standard mountain lake activities without the crowds of larger destinations.
The North Fork of the American River runs nearby, adding more fishing and swimming options beyond the reservoir. The surrounding Tahoe National Forest area offers miles of hiking, biking, and off-road vehicle trails, though you'll need to venture beyond the immediate campground area to access most of them.
This setup works for groups that want water access without the complications of backcountry camping — boat ramp access, vehicle space, and established facilities while still maintaining some separation from general campground chaos.